On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, I received a call from one of my friends. Almost 10 years later, she called me. First, I thought she just wanted to catch up on things. But later I realised she is going through some kind of depression. I can’t reveal the exact reason for her call because that’s her personal life.
Here, I didn’t want to share why and when she called me. Let me tell you a short story about her. She was a topper of the college, but she was an introvert, and I assume she is still the same way. She mostly used to talk to me and never really had friends. She belongs to a good family and has everything in her life that she has always desired.
But she has no friends. Not a single person with whom she can talk about her personal problems and take advice.
After finishing the conversation with her, I realised how lonely she is, and I kept wondering why she didn’t make any friends in the past 10 years.
I understand that she is an introvert, but these 10 years have been enough to make at least 2 to 3 friends. Or maybe she doesn’t trust people easily or doesn’t want to share her personal life with others.
I don’t know the exact reason, but I felt really bad for her. I asked her to call me whenever she wants.
See, it’s not like that I don’t have any problems in my life; everyone has. But I’m thankful to God that I’ve people to share with. I realised that in every organisation I worked in, I made more than one friend whom I could trust. Yes, there are snakes as well, but thankfully, I’ve the ability to distinguish between bad and good people.
After that conversation, the one thought that remained with me is how lonely many people are and most of the time we don’t even realise it. I know many people like to be alone and feel like they don’t need anyone in their lives, but you should have at least 2 to 3 people in your life with whom you can share your difficulties and sorrows.
You should understand that overcoming loneliness in life is really important. You can’t always be alone and think that you don’t need anyone in life. Not only her, I’ve a few introverts in my life, they are like I can’t talk with people unless the next person starts the conversation. It’s not like they can’t, they don’t want to.
So I would like to mention here, if you are feeling lonely, try to open your heart to your trustworthy people, and for that, you should make bonds (again, back to square one).
Here, I want to share a few tactics to break this chain of loneliness and get exposed to this beautiful world.
How Not to be Lonely?
Take Initiative
It’s not always gonna happen that other people will come and talk to you. Sometimes, you have to take initiative, start with hi, hello. To be clear, here I’m not talking about the opposite sex. You can start a conversation with a person of the same gender if you find it easier. But in my opinion, even if you start talking with the opposite sex, it’s not like you are going to end up getting married to that person.
Go on a Trip with Strangers
When I moved to Hyderabad, I got introduced to many things, like trips with strangers. Before that, I didn’t know that such things existed. And it’s a really good opportunity for people who do not have many friends, want to explore new things or want to make new friends.
This way, you get a chance to meet new people and forget all your sorrows. For instance, you recently had a breakup and felt like your whole world had fallen apart. You don’t know whom to discuss with. What’s better than meeting new people, talking to nature and experiencing new adventures? Who knows, you may find a better partner there?
Be a Part of Mental Health Communities
Gone are the days when mental health was trauma. I know many families in India still think mental health does not need any treatment. But believe me, if you are going through depression, heartbreaks, layoffs, or any other problems, you need support.
If it’s too expensive for you to go to a psychologist, join mental health communities where the fee is remarkably affordable, and you can talk with them about your life problems without any judgment.
Meditate, Yoga, and Exercise
Many studies show that when you exercise, meditate or do yoga, you are more likely to live a happy and cheerful life. To some extent, it helps overcome your introverted nature and leads to overcoming loneliness.
Start with a simple breathing exercise for 5 min and slowly adapt to other exercises. You can also start with walking if you enjoy walking as I do. After dinner, it’s mandatory for me to walk for at least 1 hour. From college days, it just became part of my life.
Journal your Thoughts
Sometimes, it feels kinda risky to write down your own thoughts as other people can read them. But be cautious. For that, you can do one thing. You can buy a diary with a password lock and pour your heart into it.
It will help you simplify your thoughts and get clarity on what you want in your life.
Final thought
So, my lovely readers, if you've read this far, I know most of you are going through loneliness. But don't worry, you are not alone in this. Many people face such situations in life that lead them to loneliness. However, it doesn't mean that you should stop trusting people or meeting new people.
Make friends, meet new people and enjoy this beautiful life. Life is too short to overthink; embrace it. Count every moment.
